Meaning
伶俐 describes someone who is mentally quick, clever, and sharp in their responses and actions. It emphasizes both mental agility and physical nimbleness, often used to praise children or young people for being bright and responsive. The term carries a positive connotation of being smart in a practical, street-smart way rather than purely academic intelligence.
Usage
Commonly used to describe children, young people, or subordinates who show quick thinking and smart behavior. Often appears in the phrase 聪明伶俐 (cōngmíng línglì) to emphasize intelligence and cleverness. It's a colloquial, approving term used in everyday speech rather than formal writing.
Examples
- 01这个小女孩聪明伶俐，大家都很喜欢她。, .This little girl is bright and clever, everyone likes her.
- 02他做事很伶俐，从来不让人操心。, .He's very sharp in his work and never causes anyone to worry.
Characters
Common collocations
- 聪明伶俐bright and clever
- 伶俐的孩子a clever child
- 手脚伶俐nimble hands and feet
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters originally related to actors and performers in classical Chinese, who needed to be quick-witted and agile. Over time, the combination came to describe anyone with quick mental and physical reflexes.